If you have a paper shredder at home, you know that emptying your bin ensures that your shredder doesn’t overheat. However, those paper particles have more uses than just going straight to the trash. Shredded paper has many uses that can save you money, so don’t empty out your paper shredder container just yet. Learn some creative ways to reuse and recycle shredded paper at home.
Use Paper As Packing Material
Do you need to ship or store something but don’t have any excess packing material lying around the house? Simply turn to your home’s paper shredder. You can use shredded paper to cushion fragile items such as utensils, snow globes, trophies, and more. Paper shreds offer more volume and protection than tissue paper or newspaper for storing and shipping your fragile items. Shredded paper can come in handy, especially when moving, so hang onto your shredded paper for yourself or a friend in need of packing materials.
Place Shreds in Compost
If you have a backyard composting pile or local compost collection, don’t toss your shredded paper. Paper materials make a suitable brown waste layer for compost piles. Plus, this type of paper is easier to break down because it’s already shredded into smaller particles. This is one of the benefits of cross-cut shredders, which shred paper into fine pieces.
You can even add shredded paper to your mulch pile when it comes time to mulch around your lawn again. Paper adds volume and richness to the mulch and soil surrounding your trees and plants.
Make a note to avoid adding glossy paper such as photos to your mulch or compost pile. This type of paper doesn’t break down easily.
Try Making Your Own Paper
If you’re feeling creative, why not try making your own paper out of the small scraps from your shredder? There are plenty of paper-crafting kits and tutorials to help you through each stage of the paper-making process. Handmade paper has a unique texture and thickness that manufactured paper doesn’t reach. If you’re looking for unique scrapbooking paper or even papier-mâché, try creating your own with shredded paper scraps.
Save It for Kindling
Summer is here, which means it’s time for bonfire season. If your family or neighbors love having summer campfires, try saving your paper scraps for kindling. You can even craft on-the-go fire starter kits with kindling like toilet paper tubes, small twigs, and shredded paper. These bits and bobs from around the house and yard can help you start a roaring fire in no time.
If you have excess paper shredding scraps at home or in the office, don’t waste them by throwing them in the trash or recycling. Try these creative ways to reuse and recycle shredded paper the next time you’re about to empty your paper shredder’s bin.
As communities gather this Sunday, December 7th, to remember, we look back at a single morning that reshaped a nation, examine the causes and consequences of the attack, and reflect on how Hawai‘i and the world carried forward the work of healing and reconciliation.
A Morning That Changed the World
On a clear morning that remains etched into the pages of history, aircraft appeared over Pearl Harbor and the United States Pacific Fleet was struck in a surprise assault. In fewer than two hours, battleships burned, aircraft were destroyed on the ground, and more than 2,400 American service members and civilians lost their lives. The attack thrust the United States into the global conflict of World War II and set in motion a series of events that would transform both the Pacific and the world.
You’ve just become a mom, and suddenly, everything feels different. Your body, your schedule, your entire identity—it’s all been turned upside down. One minute you’re a person with hobbies, friends, and a life outside of caregiving. The next, you’re knee-deep in diapers, sleep deprivation, and endless feeds. You look in the mirror and wonder: Who even am I anymore?
Trucks and SUVs aren’t designed just for driving on paved roads. With the surrounding natural beauty of the Carolinas, you want to explore more of what the states have to offer.
If you're new to horse riding, one aspect you might worry about is safety. This activity involves being on an elevated mount, moving at high speeds, and navigating unpredictable terrain, all things that could lead to injuries if you don't take precautions.
Hydroponic gardening is an innovative way to grow plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead. This method can lead to faster growth and higher yields, all from the comfort of your home. Before you dive in, it's important to understand the basics to ensure your gardening journey is a success. This guide will walk you through what you need to know before starting a hydroponic garden, helping you begin with confidence.
